Ridiculously Easy DIY Light Strips! (no soldering)

I wired some LED light strips that are easy to set up, affordable, AND high quality! Let me show you exactly how I put these DIY light strips together with zero soldering.
LED lights (good): amzn.to/3C2TTVl
LED lights (not my favorite): amzn.to/3SPXg7V
Controller (ZigBee): amzn.to/3QIyaGu
Power supply: amzn.to/3SX0C9s
Less expensive power supply that seems to work well: amzn.to/3Af2piL
Wire for 6 pin LEDs: amzn.to/3bUiu48
Wire connectors: amzn.to/3SFDcoV
Right angle corner connectors: amzn.to/3zWkjWh
Cord hider box: amzn.to/3QgSD5c
Wire covers: amzn.to/3pdGlhZ
Channel cover 6 ft: amzn.to/3JXCrDK
Channel cover 3 ft: amzn.to/3SMmd45
(affiliate links)
DISCOVER MORE
I tested 12 Light Strips and found a hidden gem! • I tried 12 light strip...
Light Strips in 6 Unexpected Places • Light Strips in 6 Unex...
6 Light Strip Ideas: • 6 Light Strip Ideas: U...
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0:00 Intro
0:33 Light Strip requirements
1:50 What I bought
3:43 Testing it out…
4:44 Cutting + wiring
5:33 Installation
6:18 Trying to make it look good
8:18 Red = do NOT enter!
----------
MUSIC
Rinse Repeat by DivKid
The End by EVA
open.spotify.com/artist/6UIs5...

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Don’t be like me and accidentally buy light strips that look purple instead of white. These are much better: amzn.to/3C2TTVl (affiliate link) and I put more links in the description.

[@verticalmedia196]

Just the video I needed! Thanks for making. Does the controller work with Alexa? Do you know if there is a limit to how many connections can be made? (I have multiple gaps between cabinets and will definitely need that roll of wire and connectors to bridge the gaps)

[@darkmauriceravel]

I bought some cheap sonoff for my kitchen and even like you i don't like it so much. Colours are different and low power. When i change my kitchen i'll buy some better. This video will help me, thanks. By the way your daughters are so cute, i love when they appear talking in the videos. Nice family, best wishes.🙌

[@jeremyjedynak]

Would these light strips be good for under-upper-cabinets as well?

[@jillsajonia6101]

Use NoMoreNails adhesive no need screes for the diffuser

[@SHolck]

The one that the link points to do not look the same as the one you use, it is completely different. (Could be a country availability issue from amazon)

[@TheHookUp]

+1 on BTF Lighting, they are my go-to for strips and have never let me down.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

That's great to hear! Anything with Rob's stamp of approval is enough for me!

[@chocomilkfps1264]

I thought of you (@the hook up) the second I saw this video, cool to see you here as well!

[@topperdude2007]

@@SmartHomeSolver Wait - you mean you didn't check with Rob BEFORE ordering the lights? 😉Great video - and I agree, its good to say "My wife is right" (even if it's just once in a while) 😅

[@pavolholes]

But BTF don’t have 2835 which I love because of small size and low heat production and because they have low brightness but the chip is cheap they are made in 240/m which makes it perfect in direct lightning like LED strip on the ceiling of the stairs.

[@bbbobnl]

Btf, the real cri rated led strips. Love them!

[@jimbeam9595]

I have been searching for two years to find a simple, straightforward guide on led lighting. I can’t believe it took me this long, but thank you!

[@chocomilkfps1264]

Super off topic, but I really appreciate you and your wife's relationship, I grew up with abusive parents so it acrually gives me hope to see the way she supports your channel and how much you discuss her on the channel (even jokingly)

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Thanks, that means a lot! Aly is awesome. She's a big support of the channel and we've worked together on it since day one.

[@mjd85la]

Great video. But you forgot one main thing. Can you explain the controller you used? How did you connect the controller to your SmartThings or home assistant?

[@keithjackson4755]

I just want to let you know your skits are corny but are why I come back to you for smart home tech reviews and news lol it's nice to see someone in the smart home space just doing their thing and doing it well. Keep up the great content ❤ Thank you for educating and entertaining 😁

[@DvlDddy]

Right! I love the bits he includes with his fam.

[@PrydeWater901]

5:40 Another option would be to use two-sided molding tape. 3M makes some that I have used on automotive projects and it lasts practically forever. No drilling or screws needed.

[@jergervasi3331]

THIS is finally the video I needed. I want to be able to do many custom lengths and blackout areas, and your video nails it. BTW, your family is awesome, and the Aero Force One T-shirt also earns big bonus points. Thanks!!!!

[@19Dennis53]

Personally I have LOVED working with Super Bright LEDs. That company has the BEST prices and their customer service is excellent. They have given me info that I never new was even possible!

[@3000secrets]

I will try getting in contact with this company and maybe they can help me get the new lighting system in around my house because there’s other places I want to like besides the outside windows. and all I need is some guidance. Thank you.

[@JonGarcia]

Greatly appreciate the video. Setting up lighting on my bookshelf and snaking the line with multiple cuts. Will be doing this in a few other places as well :)

[@woof3598]

been watching a lot of videos on LED lighting for a display case I have, best one I have found yet

[@blt1]

Great vid! Any chance you could do one for kitchen under cabinet, super bright utility, AND mood/dim combo?

[@mikemotorbike4283]

remember there's a neat free empty space under the cupboards you can run cable through, and put the contents of the bulky box inside. You cud even run an ext cord through there. Just pull out a drawer and cut a hole in the floor of the cabinet. Some cabinets don't even have a raised floor you have to cut; they're already wide open under the drawer. You can also hide gold bullion there.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

Well this one is getting saved for later consultation. I could definitely implement this little quality of life improvement in my own restroom. Currently I flip on a little wax melt warmer for "night light" mode, lol.

[@daneo617]

Red lights are easy on the eyes in the middle of the night 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@jakehanifee8856]

I have been looking for a video like you made FOREVER! I can’t thank you enough! As soon as I get the dough together I’m going to put up the lighting in my bookcases!

[@makatron]

For the light covers I've used the dremel with metal brush disk and with a couple of passes inside to provide a rough surface for it to stick to it.

[@ha231]

Seems like a lot more work than just using IPA.

[@makatron]

@@ha231 yeah but I al ready had the covers and was too lazy to buy new ones. I am a special kind of lazy that does extra work! 😅

[@JustinWinson]

Thanks for the video! Very helpful for me as I’m about to install LED in some built-ins. Well done!

[@mikeoleksa]

BTF-Lighting is the best that I've found also. I've been using different variations of their light strips in custom PC builds for a few years now.

[@TechWithBrett]

Well now you have me convinced to try them out! Would you use the same power box or could it all fit in something smaller?

[@2gnospam]

Nice video. FYI they do sell small right angle hex bid drivers. Drive with a small drill or by handle and insert a short bit in the socket.

[@VP411Designs]

Awesome helpful video. What do you recommend for DIYers who are setting up LED Strips as main lighting source in ceiling with profiles built into the entire ceilings in long extended strips on entire ceiling space covering about 1000 square feet? Main question here is power source? Controller Source? And how to control individually or together as one? If I install a LED Strip all over my ceiling on the entire ceiling on every room and hallways how/what is the best way to setup from LED product, power product, and controller product.

[@scottbeisel7598]

This is awesome! I wanna redo our under cabinet lighting in the kitchen and add it to the bottom cabinets as well.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Thanks Scott! I'm planning on doing our kitchen cabinets soon too!

[@dfareaper1988]

easy solution to the screwdriver problem: most single sided bits (not the double sided ones you showed trying to use by hand) fit into a 1/4" socket. pair with a ratchet and tadaaa, 90° screwdriver for tight spaces. great idea for the undercabinet lighting ^.^

[@matts1978]

6:32 - 6:48 = Greatest moment on this channel!! Totally made my day, thank you 🤣🤣

[@lukabotic]

You do a great show, I enjoy and trust your solutions and reviews! I would love your opinion on out door products for IA-leds (neopixels) and fairy lights. For permanent out door mounting that I can change between Christmas/Halloween/Dinner party. I have encountered issues with wild life damaging fairy lights and water ingress on “waterproof” led strips. Suggestions and an affiliate link please…and thank you for a brilliant show.

[@lawjamesr]

I have the BTF light strips under my kitchen cabinets in aluminum channel. They’re pretty awesome! But I did end up soldering the connections so that it would fit in the channel to clean up the look.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

That sounds awesome, I'm still figuring out what to do under my kitchen cabinets. And I just got a soldering station and everything, so I'm excited to try that next time!

[@patrikulus]

The cool thing is that those Gledopto ZigBee controllers are compatible with Philips Hue bridge. So you can have kind of DIY Hue lights :)

[@QuentinDallons]

Hi ! Dewalt has angle screwdriver bits that can be used with an impact screwdriver. Could be useful for under tight space cabinet mounting

[@craigmcfly]

Interesting video. I want to do a rectangle of them behind the TV to backlight. I can't find anything that will do 90-degree turns, though. Hue + Litcessory just aren't holding up. I'll have a look at the parts you used, because at least they support 90-degree connectors!

[@LadyRenira]

Fancy that. I just also recently went down this rabbit hole after buying an LED light fixture that turned out to have a proprietary RF remote so I couldn't use it on the Broadlink. A powerful driver, Gledopto, and much reading later, I'm realizing assembling my own LEDs is going to be so much better for Halloween. Especially if I dip into Arduino offerings. Grats on the bathroom. Looks great!

[@YamanKoudmani]

Psst. Check out WLED on an ESP32 in that case... Easier than mucking with an Arduino programming and much better platform.

[@AskMeWhen]

I just did this with my kitchen cabinets. I replaced the halogen puck lights with RGBWW strips. I did solder them but I used 12inch sections stuck to aluminum channels with diffusers. I had to purchase 3 separate controllers and power supply’s but they work great.

[@jimyearsich1942]

You have 3 separate sections of cabinets? I do snd it would be hard to snake wire to the 2 different walls. What hub are you using for the controllers?

[@tannerg440]

Hi Reed! What motion sensor are you using to turn your lights on?

[@xerxel69]

Great vid! Top tip: put a wireless contact sensor on the bog seat and a motion sensor in the room. When the bog seat opens, play quiet chill out music to cover up splash sounds. Then if bog is open but no motion detected, change lights to blue to remind people to close seat. At night make all the lights red to preserve night vision and disable extractor fan.

[@mzreign7954]

Wow!!! Where’s your video for all that?

[@ferdiebeer]

But that would be announcing to everyone that you're taking a dump. 😂

[@RogerStocker]

Again a very creative outtro!

[@SkyKiller63]

Great video!! Can’t wait to get these set up!

[@mrg5517]

Could you please share the make and model of the motion sensor to trigger your under cabinet lights to automatically turn on. Thank you for making this video. I recently stayed in a hotel that had strip lights mounted under the cabinets. They were motion activated when walking in the bathroom at night. Such a great idea to help navigate when half asleep without turning on the bright bathroom lights.

[@neekster28]

Nice! I really like the simplicity that this solution offers. I was thinking of doing something similar with my cabinet lights, but with a Shelly RGBW2 for the controller instead of GLOWEDOPTOICANTPRONOUNCEIT. I also have been experimenting with WLED, but I've been having connection issues, so I kinda gave up

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Thanks! Yes WLED is something I'm planning on tackling soon and it does look challenging.

[@neekster28]

@@SmartHomeSolver WLED is surprisingly simple to get set up. After doing it a few times, I can do it in about five minutes from start to finish. I just wish it worked reliably for me. 😒

[@shubinternet]

There are right-angle bit drivers that you can use with electric screwdrivers or battery powered drills.

[@FamilyDIYtv]

What's the Max Length ? I'm looking at doing around 31 feet combined for a kitchen project. Do you think that would be to much for this ? Thanks for the video BTW !!!

[@BrandonDoyleMN]

very clean install, great job!

[@guitfiddle]

For DIY projects I completely understand @6:45. This is my feeling every turn during the kitchen remodel. :D

[@robsanchez5742]

6:38 mins my wife exactly, then she walks away, no help

[@rhondakeller2592]

That was great! This was the most entertaining instructional video I ever saw. 👍🏻😁

[@prhannator2874]

Nice video. Love the need for overlord approval :). Thanks for the chuckle. I'm just starting down this path. I'm looking for an affordable light source under my ~ 5-6' desk so I can see the buttons on some machines under there. I don't need voice activation and as a first pass, I'd probably settle for a human switched with tone options (warm/cool etc). Got any videos showing that kind of desk setup? The "good" ones in your video were outside of budget for me.

[@xiaoshi3508]

Hey, nice project. But how to setup the motion sensor to control the power supply?

[@Blackcreekstudios]

I centralized my dc voltage supply and ran thermostat wire everywhere to low voltage switches and lights. Huge learning curve but it is great .

[@JacobDanielson]

A right angle drill adapter definitely would have come in handy for installing those clips!

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Oh that would have come in handy! I need to order one for next time.

[@daneo617]

For nighttime, especially in a bathroom red works really well. Definitely in the middle of the night 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@cruelsun9243]

Are there extensions for the 4-prong power adaptor? I would like to run the line outside my display case without the need to have the strip light outside the display case. Thanks!

[@yamenber9489]

Very nice setup And thanks for the advice But you haven't explained us how did you manage to control it . Does it work directly with smartthings? Or just with specific app Thanks again

[@DriveSmartBC]

Use a 1/4" ratchet with the appropriate socket for your screwdriver bit. Great for putting in screws under the cabinet kick. Buy (or cut) a short bit if necessary.

[@PrivateHireGuy]

What a great video, thanks from the U.K.

[@LittleJoeSBB]

Need input on outdoor Christmas decorations. I have hoops I use but need lights on them. Need advice on continuous connections. Red and white are the colors I need

[@2viewvideosful]

Lol "spouse approval rating" 🤣... I love it! Funny! Good video too. Thanks!

[@mikemayoral7356]

With your set up, are you able to make the light strips pulsate slowly? I'm working on a project and I'm looking for the easiest way to set up some LEDs that pulsate. Thanks.

[@ronm6585]

Thanks Reed. The light covers do look better painted. 😁

[@SmartHomeSolver]

I agree, they look way better!

[@TheJayanthgummadi]

Great video. What is the sensor you used to turn them on automatically? Could not find info about that in links or comments

[@usables4028]

I would do that too, love the idea! But bathrooms in UK don't have sockets. 😐

[@bugged120]

Loved the legal disclaimer! 🤣

[@YamiFrankc]

How bright are these strips? Do you think they can be used as the main source of light in a room if put on the ceiling? I've used lifx strips for this before and they work ok. But this would be less expensive

[@icevariable9600]

Excellent video! Exactly what I was looking for. But was there an issue in cutting the LED strip? Do you have to worry about voltage distribution based on length of each strip?

[@dannyarcher]

Not on that install mate - That’s only a short run. No issues at all.

[@jaymcdermott4331]

Thanks Reed helpful video. If I were to connect them to my echo plus would I need a Zigbee hub?

[@godblesshomelessvets8832]

My question is do you have a suggestion that will help me in that I have 2 sections of interior steps, 1 each would require 1 right angle connector. Total length of 1 is 39'3" and the other is 37'6". I have access behind the steps foe wiring. I am looking for a single strip per step so the strip and connector would be controlled vis Caseta lutron light switch . I always enjoy your vids and thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have.

[@peterperez8690]

Hello, love your videos! Can you tell me the brand motion sensor you used?

[@faded1to3black]

For screwing in stuff in such narrow spots, you could use a bit with a socket on a 1/4" ratchet.

[@danshimandle1938]

I got the Nanoleaf essential light strips that run on thread from my Apple TV and so far they are just as responsive and reliable as my Phillips hue bulbs, they are the first non-hue lighting that I actually like. Edit: fixed typo

[@Braddeman]

BTF is the best I have found for led strips. I like the newer leds that don’t have a wire for rgb just one wire to assign the colors. The individually addressable is what I am talking about

[@andrewcbartlett]

Great video. How do the lights know who is making a stink?

[@jeremyjedynak]

Instead of screwing the channels into the underside of the cabinets, you could use 3M Dual Lock, which comes in both rolls and short strips. You wouldn't need much to hold it, and it would be easily removable. Dual Lock is also great for holding toe kicks to cabinets because it holds well and makes them easily removable if/when you need to do something under a cabinet, like run power for lighting.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Yeah that would have been easier to install.

[@demontekdigital1704]

@@SmartHomeSolver If you prefer using the screwed in clips you can buy an offset screwdriver as well. They're set to a 90 degree angle just like hex wrenches are, for exactly that purpose. With the clips you don't ever have to worry about adhesive failures. The other option is to replace the packaged screws with hex screws so you can use a hex wrench. Even the toughest adhesive strips hate particle board, and unfinished wood. Think of trying to stick painter's tape to a piece of anything you've sanded, and not properly cleaned. The particles create a barrier between the adhesive, and the mounting surface, and the adhesive will stick to that rather than the surface. I made a custom desktop using MDF, and the adhesive strips on my cable routing clips constantly failed due to the surface particles of the MDF getting dislodged from the surface. Even when there was no visible damage to the desk, the adhesive would get ruined. The only way I was able to stop it was to seal the MDF where the clips would go.

[@kevinh9968]

I was actually looking at that controller to do a split connection for my kitchen cabinets. That confirmation seals the deal. Now to get the wifey seal of approval...

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Good luck, sometimes that's the hardest step haha

[@micwatz2361]

at the 5:55 mark you can use a Ratchet Socket 1/4 " on the screwdriver bit , to drive the screws in

[@i-see-desertbaldo2369]

Another fun video about a DIY project that could bring us light into the Bathroom at night. Cool! But Dude! Where did you get the rocking stylized Saguaro t-shirt? That should be in your links.

[@icedrummer25]

Just seeing this a year later. Trying to find similar options that don't require a bridge or a hub for the controller. I LOVE Kasa lights so I'm wondering If I would be able to use some type of similiar connectors on Kasa Strips.

[@sadlerjr]

What motion sensor did you use and how did you link to the strips?

[@lle60626]

this is a great video, I'm doing this outside!

[@shannonallcock8328]

Reed,great video. Are you using a gateway hub to control the light colors?

[@CrankyCoder]

Look into a right angle drill chuck. I was having that same nightmare of a time and ended up getting the right angle drill chuck.

[@jester4761]

Howdy! Im am constantly scrolling through all your videos while getting new ideas for my smart home. Now I'm trying to update my switch situation and I have a question for you: So my kitchen has a 4 way switch for the main lights. Meaning I have 3 switches that can toggle the lights. I can't find any smart switches that specifically say they can function under that scenario. My current situation is this: I have 2 switches that I try to leave alone and one switch has a third reality switch that covers the toggle to make the lights "smart." The problem is that when someone hits any of the other 2 switches the third reality switch will now have to be told the opposite command to get the desired results until a toggle can be flipped again. It's super annoying, and the spouse hates it. Sooo...my question then is, will multiple of (example) kasa switches be able to function together to prevent my current situation? Or would that be a problem solved with a home assistant other than just an echo + the switches? Got any examples of situations that worked for you?

[@steveweaver6245]

do you have a recommendation for right angle connectors to wrap around the wall or bannister?

[@MikeKow80]

Use some 45° track to help shoot the light out instead of just down. I did the toe kicks in my bathrooms and it's the best.

[@mirothedjplaylist]

I highly reccomend alied tape for quick install for indoors its tested and approved, that stuff is holding my life together, not sure where else they sell it but found it on sale at DG

[@gennymiller8332]

Have you ever done a stairs install with led under the lip of the steps with motion sensor.i don't no much about led but wanting g to redo my stairs and wanted led light up do you have a video on that.

[@JamieStuff]

I bought some BTF addressable RGB strips for a test project, and I'm quite happy with them. They cost a little more than the generic strips, but you do get what you pay for.

[@makeitworktech]

Great video! Definitely love BTF Lighting strips! I've used the individually addressable ones with WLED in the past. The bathroom looks great!

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Thanks! I'll definitely have to try out their addressable WLED options in a future video.

[@makeitworktech]

@@SmartHomeSolver would love to see what you do with them!

[@asutcliffe25]

I see the v + and - connector on the controller as well, does this mean that the controller can also be used as a hardwired connection instead of using the AC adapter? i am wanting to install these lights under a kitchen cabinet that already have a hardwired connectors to electrical

[@boyu6602]

Light strips make it a lot different. Could you share motion sensor wiring, too?

[@helloruiz]

This was so helpful. Love your channel. I used all of your affiliate links. Thanks!!

[@DELIKAYDECORCOLTD]

Great video! The procedure is identical to that described above.

[@thetinkertechlab]

Yet another amazing video. I am assuming your next one is going to be installing some large smart mirrors? Keep up the amazing work!

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Thanks! That would be so cool. The mirrors in my bathroom are enormous so it would be quite the task. But I need to look at my options!

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Great video as always!

[@3000secrets]

Thank you for your video. It’s helpful. What I’m planning to do is put light strips around my windows which are double hung. then I can get rid of my Christmas lights instead of having to store them all year. Plus, I will be able to change the color according to the holiday example: red for Valentine’s Day green for Saint Paddy‘s day and so on. I will keep a few for decorating bushes and stuff outside but Not a whole mess like I have now. but I’m just trying to figure out what to do with the LED lights. They need to plug into the wall and hopefully I can use only one remote to control them all. Plus I think it’d be a good idea if they were waterproof. I get a little moisture around the windows once in awhile but mostly they’re dry. Can I get 12 foot strips or cut them to length and then add a plug to power them? I really don’t want to deal with batteries. any help you offer will be really appreciated. Thank you.

[@Trxustzed]

is the light diffused well on the rgb with the rgb channel diffuser?? or do you think you would need to go to 144pixel/m

[@chengda85]

if I want to use more than 1 strip, do I need a power source and controller for each or is there a way to use 1 for all the strips?

[@willneville]

That was a very useful video. Thank you

[@BallsworthBallsbury]

Excellent video. I've been praying the Philips Hue tax out of fear of the unknown / untrusted. Don't get me wrong, I love Hue, but I also love holding onto money when possible. This pushed me over the hump. I'm gonna try BTF. Any luck integrating into Home Assistant?

[@Theflyinghoneybadger]

Do you have a video of how you set up that controller? I am looking for LED light strips that will work with Apple Homekit.

[@NinaPang-lw3mf]

Nice video! Easy to understand.

[@DavesChaoticBrain]

Would that Zigbee controller allow for smooth dimming across a wide range of brightnesses? Would there be any way to attach a physical dimmer of some kind? I'm looking for something to control a single 1w LED in a Microscope because I blew up the control board it came with and the manufacturer doesn't sell parts...

[@MobbingQueen-ty3bh]

Thanks you so much for sharing. Can I actually connect the led strip to a battery box ? I’m gonna teach kids how to DIY a dollhouse . What’s the easiest way to connect the Led light 💡 and hide it underneath ? Thanks you in advance 😊

[@tannerg440]

Have you been able to find a way to get the light strips to fade on instead of pop on when triggered by the motion sensor?

[@chrisreese2965]

IS it wrong that I'm more impressed that your floors are so clean?